Best Credit Cards for Groceries in Canada

This Page's Content Was Last Updated: May 7, 2024
WOWA Simply Know Your Options

What You Should Know

  • Best credit cards for groceries in Canada offer up to 6% back in rewards on grocery shopping.
  • Some grocery stores may not accept some credit card networks while some credit cards may not recognize some stores as grocery stores.
  • You should carefully look into what grocery stores your credit card recognizes to maximize your bonuses.
  • You can determine if a store is categorized as a grocery store through its assigned merchant code.

6 Best Credit Cards for Groceries

MBNA Rewards World Elite Mastercard

Best Rewards Credit Card for Groceries

MBNA Rewards World Elite Mastercard Img
Key Features
Annual Fee IconAnnual Fee

$120.00

Interest Rate IconInterest Rates

Purchase: 19.99%

Cash: 24.99%

Transfer: 22.99%

Min Income IconMin. Income

Household: $150,000

Individual: $80,000

Credit Score IconCredit Score

Fair


Rewards: MBNA Points

1 MBNA Point ≈ ¢1

  • 5 MBNA Points for each $1 spent on: grocery, restaurants and recurring bills.5 MBNA Points ≈ $0.05 in cash equivalent.
  • 1 MBNA Point for each $1 spent on: everything else.1 MBNA Point ≈ $0.01 in cash equivalent.
BMO CashBack World Elite Mastercard

Best Cash Back Credit Card for Groceries

BMO CashBack World Elite Mastercard Img
Key Features
Annual Fee IconAnnual Fee

$120.00

Interest Rate IconInterest Rates

Purchase: 20.99%

Cash: 23.99%

Transfer: 23.99%

Min Income IconMin. Income

Household: $150,000

Individual: $80,000

Credit Score IconCredit Score

Fair


Cash Back
  • 5% Cashback for each $1 spent on: grocery.
  • 4% Cashback for each $1 spent on: transit.
  • 3% Cashback for each $1 spent on: gas.
  • 2% Cashback for each $1 spent on: recurring bills.
  • 1% Cashback for each $1 spent on: everything else.
BMO CashBack Mastercard

Best No Fee Credit Card for Groceries

BMO CashBack Mastercard Img
Key Features
Annual Fee IconAnnual Fee

$0.00

Interest Rate IconInterest Rates

Purchase: 20.99%

Cash: 22.99%

Transfer: 22.99%

Min Income IconMin. Income

Income Requirement Is Not Specified.

Credit Score IconCredit Score

Fair


Cash Back
  • 3% Cashback for each $1 spent on: grocery.
  • 1% Cashback for each $1 spent on: recurring bills.
  • 0.5% Cashback for each $1 spent on: everything else.
AMEX Cobalt

Best Rewards Credit Cards for Gas + Groceries

AMEX Cobalt Img
Key Features
Annual Fee IconAnnual Fee

$155.88

Interest Rate IconInterest Rates

Purchase: 20.99%

Cash: 21.99%

Min Income IconMin. Income

Income Requirement Is Not Specified.

Credit Score IconCredit Score

Fair


Rewards: AMEX Points

1 AMEX Point ≈ ¢1

  • 5 AMEX Points for each $1 spent on: grocery, restaurants and food delivery.5 AMEX Points ≈ $0.05 in cash equivalent.
  • 3 AMEX Points for each $1 spent on: streaming.3 AMEX Points ≈ $0.03 in cash equivalent.
  • 2 AMEX Points for each $1 spent on: gas, travel and transit.2 AMEX Points ≈ $0.02 in cash equivalent.
  • 1 AMEX Point for each $1 spent on: everything else.1 AMEX Point ≈ $0.01 in cash equivalent.
Meridian Visa Infinite Cash Back

Best Cashback Credit Cards for Gas + Groceries

Meridian Visa Infinite Cash Back Img
Key Features
Annual Fee IconAnnual Fee

$99.00

Interest Rate IconInterest Rates

Purchase: 19.50%

Cash: 21.99%

Min Income IconMin. Income

Household: $100,000

Individual: $60,000

Credit Score IconCredit Score

Fair


Cash Back
  • 4% Cashback for each $1 spent on: gas and grocery.
  • 2% Cashback for each $1 spent on: utility and drugstores.
  • 1% Cashback for each $1 spent on: everything else.
PC Financial World Elite Mastercard

Best No Fee Credit Card for Gas + Groceries

PC Financial World Elite Mastercard Img
Key Features
Annual Fee IconAnnual Fee

$0.00

Interest Rate IconInterest Rates

Purchase: 21.99%

Cash: 22.97%

Min Income IconMin. Income

Household: $150,000

Individual: $80,000

Credit Score IconCredit Score

Excellent


Rewards: PC Points*

1 PC Point ≈ ¢0.1

  • 45 PC Points for each $1 spent on: drugstores.45 PC Points ≈ $0.045 in cash equivalent.
  • 30 PC Points for each $1 spent on: gas and grocery.30 PC Points ≈ $0.03 in cash equivalent.
  • 10 PC Points for each $1 spent on: everything else.10 PC Points ≈ $0.01 in cash equivalent.
*PC Financial World Elite Mastercard offers increased rewards only on Loblaws affiliated stores, such as Loblaws grocery stores, Shoppers Drug Marts, and Esso Mobil gas stations. All other purchases are considered 'everything else'.

Best Grocery Credit Cards for Reward

How we Sort Credit Cards: We sort credit cards based onand the card's annual fee. We estimate the dollar value of the rewards you would get based on your spending categories, and we subtract the annual fee the card charges to get the best credit cards for your spending habits. We also use the salary to filter out cards based on the minimum income requirement.Disclaimer: We may receive compensation for some credit cards presented. The algorithm we use to sort credit cards is not influenced by the compensation.
RBC ION+ Visa Img
Welcome Bonus
  • Receive 3500 Avion points when you spend $500.00 during the first 3 months.
  • Receive 3500 Avion points when you make 1 purchase.

Key Features
Annual Fee IconAnnual Fee

$48.00

Interest Rate IconInterest Rates

Purchase: 20.99%

Cash: 22.99%

Min Income IconMin. Income

Income Requirement Is Not Specified.

Credit Score IconCredit Score

Fair


Rewards: Avion Points

1 Avion Point ≈ ¢0.58

  • 3 Avion Points for each $1 spent on: gas, grocery, streaming, EV charging and entertainment.3 Avion Points ≈ $0.0174 in cash equivalent.
  • 1 Avion Point for each $1 spent on: everything else.1 Avion Point ≈ $0.0058 in cash equivalent.
Scotiabank Gold American Express Img
Welcome Bonus
  • Receive 25000 Scene+ points when you spend $1,000.00 during the first 3 months.
  • Receive 20000 Scene+ points when you spend $7,500.00 during the first 12 months.
  • First Year Fee of $120.00 waived.

Key Features
Annual Fee IconAnnual Fee

$120.00

Interest Rate IconInterest Rates

Purchase: 20.99%

Cash: 22.99%

Min Income IconMin. Income

Individual: $12,000

Credit Score IconCredit Score

Excellent


Rewards: Scene+ Points

1 Scene+ Point ≈ ¢0.7

  • 6 Scene+ Points for each $1 spent on: grocery.6 Scene+ Points ≈ $0.042 in cash equivalent.
  • 5 Scene+ Points for each $1 spent on: restaurants and entertainment.5 Scene+ Points ≈ $0.035 in cash equivalent.
  • 3 Scene+ Points for each $1 spent on: gas, transit and streaming.3 Scene+ Points ≈ $0.021 in cash equivalent.
  • 1 Scene+ Point for each $1 spent on: everything else.1 Scene+ Point ≈ $0.007 in cash equivalent.

Other Perks
  • Foreign Transaction Fee: 2.5%.
    No Fee, 0%!
  • Thorough insurance coverage for travel and purchases.
BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite Img
Welcome Bonus
  • Receive 30000 BMO points when you spend $3,000.00 during the first 3 months.
  • Receive 2500 BMO points every month you spend at least $2,000.00 from 4 month for 12 months.

Key Features
Annual Fee IconAnnual Fee

$120.00

Interest Rate IconInterest Rates

Purchase: 20.99%

Cash: 23.99%

Transfer: 23.99%

Min Income IconMin. Income

Household: $100,000

Individual: $60,000

Credit Score IconCredit Score

Fair


Rewards: BMO Points

1 BMO Point ≈ ¢0.33

  • 5 BMO Points for each $1 spent on: gas, grocery, transit, restaurants and food delivery.5 BMO Points ≈ $0.0165 in cash equivalent.
  • 1 BMO Point for each $1 spent on: everything else.1 BMO Point ≈ $0.0033 in cash equivalent.
CIBC Aventura Gold Visa Img
Welcome Bonus
  • Receive 20000 Aventura points when you spend $3,000.00 during the first 4 months.
  • Receive 25000 Aventura points when you spend $6,000.00 during the first 4 months.
  • Receive 15000 Aventura points when you make 1 purchase.
  • First Year Fee of $139.00 waived.

Key Features
Annual Fee IconAnnual Fee

$139.00

Interest Rate IconInterest Rates

Purchase: 20.99%

Cash: 22.99%

Min Income IconMin. Income

Household: $15,000

Credit Score IconCredit Score

Fair


Rewards: Aventura Points

1 Aventura Point ≈ ¢0.625

  • 2 Aventura Points for each $1 spent on: CIBC Travel.2 Aventura Points ≈ $0.0125 in cash equivalent.
  • 1.5 Aventura Points for each $1 spent on: gas, grocery and drugstores.1.5 Aventura Points ≈ $0.0094 in cash equivalent.
  • 1 Aventura Point for each $1 spent on: everything else.1 Aventura Point ≈ $0.0063 in cash equivalent.

Best Grocery Credit Cards for Cash Back

MBNA Smart Cash Platinum Plus Mastercard Img
Key Features
Annual Fee IconAnnual Fee

$0.00

Interest Rate IconInterest Rates

Purchase: 19.99%

Cash: 24.99%

Transfer: 22.99%

Min Income IconMin. Income

Income Requirement Is Not Specified.

Credit Score IconCredit Score

Fair


Cash Back
  • 2% Cashback for each $1 spent on: gas and grocery.
  • 0.5% Cashback for each $1 spent on: everything else.
AMEX SimplyCash Img
Welcome Bonus
  • Receive $10 in statement credit every month you spend at least $300.00 for the first 10 months.

Key Features
Annual Fee IconAnnual Fee

$0.00

Interest Rate IconInterest Rates

Purchase: 20.99%

Cash: 21.99%

Min Income IconMin. Income

Income Requirement Is Not Specified.

Credit Score IconCredit Score

Fair


Cash Back
  • 2% Cashback for each $1 spent on: gas and grocery.
  • 1.25% Cashback for each $1 spent on: everything else.
BMO CashBack Mastercard Img
Welcome Bonus
  • Get up to 5% in Cashback on eligible purchases in the first 3 months. (Max Cashback $97.50)
Interest Rate Welcome Offers:
  • 0.99% Balance Transfer Rate for 9 Months with a 2% transfer fee.

Key Features
Annual Fee IconAnnual Fee

$0.00

Interest Rate IconInterest Rates

Purchase: 20.99%

Cash: 22.99%

Transfer: 22.99%

Min Income IconMin. Income

Income Requirement Is Not Specified.

Credit Score IconCredit Score

Fair


Cash Back
  • 3% Cashback for each $1 spent on: grocery.
  • 1% Cashback for each $1 spent on: recurring bills.
  • 0.5% Cashback for each $1 spent on: everything else.
RBC Cash Back Mastercard Img
Key Features
Annual Fee IconAnnual Fee

$0.00

Interest Rate IconInterest Rates

Purchase: 20.99%

Cash: 22.99%

Min Income IconMin. Income

Income Requirement Is Not Specified.

Credit Score IconCredit Score

Fair


Cash Back
  • 2% Cashback for each $1 spent on: grocery.
  • 1% Cashback for each $1 spent on: everything else.

Check out other Cash Back Credit Cards.

Best No Fee Grocery Credit Card

RBC ION Visa Img
Key Features
Annual Fee IconAnnual Fee

$0.00

Interest Rate IconInterest Rates

Purchase: 20.99%

Cash: 22.99%

Min Income IconMin. Income

Income Requirement Is Not Specified.

Credit Score IconCredit Score

Fair


Rewards: Avion Points

1 Avion Point ≈ ¢0.58

  • 1.5 Avion Points for each $1 spent on: gas, grocery, streaming, EV charging and entertainment.1.5 Avion Points ≈ $0.0087 in cash equivalent.
  • 1 Avion Point for each $1 spent on: everything else.1 Avion Point ≈ $0.0058 in cash equivalent.
CIBC Aeroplan Visa Img
Welcome Bonus
  • Receive 10000 Aeroplan points when you make 1 purchase.

Key Features
Annual Fee IconAnnual Fee

$0.00

Interest Rate IconInterest Rates

Purchase: 20.99%

Cash: 22.99%

Min Income IconMin. Income

Household: $15,000

Credit Score IconCredit Score

Fair


Rewards: Aeroplan Points

1 Aeroplan Point ≈ ¢1

  • 1 Aeroplan Point for each $1 spent on: gas, grocery and Air Canada.1 Aeroplan Point ≈ $0.01 in cash equivalent.
  • 1 Aeroplan Point for each $1.5 spent on: everything else.1 Aeroplan Point ≈ $0.01 in cash equivalent.
MBNA Smart Cash Platinum Plus Mastercard Img
Key Features
Annual Fee IconAnnual Fee

$0.00

Interest Rate IconInterest Rates

Purchase: 19.99%

Cash: 24.99%

Transfer: 22.99%

Min Income IconMin. Income

Income Requirement Is Not Specified.

Credit Score IconCredit Score

Fair


Cash Back
  • 2% Cashback for each $1 spent on: gas and grocery.
  • 0.5% Cashback for each $1 spent on: everything else.
AMEX SimplyCash Img
Welcome Bonus
  • Receive $10 in statement credit every month you spend at least $300.00 for the first 10 months.

Key Features
Annual Fee IconAnnual Fee

$0.00

Interest Rate IconInterest Rates

Purchase: 20.99%

Cash: 21.99%

Min Income IconMin. Income

Income Requirement Is Not Specified.

Credit Score IconCredit Score

Fair


Cash Back
  • 2% Cashback for each $1 spent on: gas and grocery.
  • 1.25% Cashback for each $1 spent on: everything else.
Best 5-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates in Canada CanadaLeaf
Select Mortgage Term:
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What Is the Best Credit Card for Groceries?

info

The best grocery credit cards in Canada can offer up to 6x points for every dollar spent and 5% in cashback. Many of the best credit cards in Canada offer cashback or rewards value of up to 5% for grocery shopping. Most credit cards for groceries are also instant approval credit cards that allow you to get approved within minutes.

A credit card for grocery shopping can help you save on groceries if you use your card correctly. Credit cards may not recognize some stores as grocery stores, and some cards may not be accepted in some stores. For example, American Express Cobalt offers 5x membership points for every dollar spent in grocery stores but cannot be used in Costco or Loblaws Supermarkets. You may also consider a store credit card if you shop mostly at a certain grocery chain. Many grocery stores offer no-fee credit cards with great rewards on groceries.

Some credit cards may also cap the cashback or bonus points you can receive from grocery purchases. For example, BMO Cashback Mastercardoffers 3% cashback on eligible grocery stores but only for up to $500 in monthly spending. Understanding the limitations of your credit card can help you maximize the rewards you get from the card.

Some credit cards may also have a cap on the amount of cashback or bonus points you can receive from grocery purchases. For example, BMO Cashback Mastercard offers 3% cashback on eligible grocery stores but only for up to $500 in monthly spending. Understanding the limitations of your credit card can help you maximize the rewards you get from the card.

Best 5-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates in Canada CanadaLeaf
Select Mortgage Term:
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How to Pick the Best Credit Card for Groceries

You should look at welcome bonuses, rewards, and annual fees offered by credit cards before choosing one. The best grocery credit card should be reasonably priced and offer rewards for the grocery stores you shop in. It is even better if the credit card has a generous welcome bonus and a low annual fee.

Welcome Bonus

A lot of credit cards have a welcome bonus. Welcome bonuses can be very generous and can offer rewards and other perks that value up to thousands of dollars. Many people use a credit card churning strategy to take the reward of welcome bonuses without paying hefty annual fees.

CardWelcome Bonus
CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite PrivilegeCIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege
Int. Rate: 20.99%
Annual Fee: $599.00
Up to 80000 Aeroplan points in Welcome Bonus Rewards:
  • Receive 30000 Aeroplan points when you spend $15,000.00 during the first 6 months.
  • Receive 30000 Aeroplan points when you spend $25,000.00 during the first 12 months.
  • Receive 20000 Aeroplan points when you make 1 purchase.
AMEX Gold RewardsAMEX Gold Rewards
Int. Rate: 20.99%
Annual Fee: $250.00
Up to 60000 AMEX points in Welcome Bonus Rewards:
  • Receive 5000 AMEX points every month you spend at least $1,000.00 for the first 12 months.
CIBC Aeroplan Visa InfiniteCIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite
Int. Rate: 20.99%
Annual Fee: $139.00
Up to 50000 Aeroplan points in Welcome Bonus Rewards:
  • Receive 20000 Aeroplan points when you spend $6,000.00 during the first 4 months.
  • Receive 20000 Aeroplan points when you spend $15,000.00 during the first 12 months.
  • Receive 10000 Aeroplan points when you make 1 purchase.
  • First Year Fee of $139.00 waived.
AMEX SimplyCash PreferredAMEX SimplyCash Preferred
Int. Rate: 20.99%
Annual Fee: $119.88
Up to $400.00 in Welcome Bonus Rewards:
  • Receive $40 in statement credit every month you spend at least $750.00 for the first 10 months.
CIBC Aventura Gold VisaCIBC Aventura Gold Visa
Int. Rate: 20.99%
Annual Fee: $139.00
Up to 60000 Aventura points in Welcome Bonus Rewards:
  • Receive 20000 Aventura points when you spend $3,000.00 during the first 4 months.
  • Receive 25000 Aventura points when you spend $6,000.00 during the first 4 months.
  • Receive 15000 Aventura points when you make 1 purchase.
  • First Year Fee of $139.00 waived.

Rewards

Usually, credit card rewards either come in the form of cashback or loyalty points. Cashback offers cash as a reward, while loyalty point rewards offer rewards from an applicable loyalty program, for example Aeroplan rewards.

Cashback

If the cashback rate for a card is 4% on groceries, you earn 4% back on every purchase that qualifies as a grocery purchase. The cashback rewards are accumulated in your account and usually can be redeemed to pay off your credit card bill.

Reward Points

Reward points are not as straightforward as cashback. The redemption value of reward points usually varies depending on how you redeem them. Scene+ rewards points can be redeemed 1 cent per point for Cineplex movie tickets and 0.7 CPP for the statement credit.

Annual Fee

If your best credit card for groceries has a high annual fee, you may want to look for another grocery credit card. High annual fees can easily outweigh the benefit of having a grocery rewards card. For example, if you have a credit card with an annual fee of $100 and your annual reward is $100, your net reward for the year is $0. You should consider how much you will charge the card before picking an annual fee that will work for you.

Annual CostStandard BenefitsOur Top Picks
$0
  • Low Rewards
  • No Insurance
PC Financial World Elite Mastercard Image
Rewards up to 45 PC Points for every $1 spentLearn More
Int. Rate: 21.99%
Annual Fee: $0.00
$39
  • Reasonable Rewards
  • Basic Insurance
MBNA Smart Cash World Mastercard Image
Cash Back rate up to 2%Learn More
Int. Rate: 19.99%
Annual Fee: $39.00
$99
  • Good Rewards
  • Moderate Insurance
Meridian Visa Infinite Cash Back Image
Cash Back rate up to 4%Learn More
Int. Rate: 19.5%
Annual Fee: $99.00
$120
  • Very Good Rewards
  • Broad Insurance
  • Roadside Assistance Membership
  • First-year Rebate
AMEX SimplyCash Preferred Image
Cash Back rate up to 4%Learn More
Int. Rate: 20.99%
Annual Fee: $119.88
Over
$120
  • Best Rewards
  • Broad Insurance With Highest Limits
  • Roadside Assistance Memberships
  • Exclusive Perks
  • First-year rebate
AMEX Cobalt Image
Rewards up to 5 AMEX Points for every $1 spentLearn More
Int. Rate: 20.99%
Annual Fee: $155.88

Other Considerations

It is also important to know your interest rates, insurance included, and other perks your credit card has. Even though these items are not as important, they may still affect your card's value.

Many people consider interest rate an important factor in choosing a credit card, but a rewards credit card should never have a balance. If you plan to carry a balance on your credit card, consider a low-interest credit card to minimize your interest charges.

If you plan to use your credit card while traveling, you should consider a travel credit card or a credit card with travel insurance. These credit cards may not have as much value at home, but they can be helpful abroad when medical services are needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Walmart Considered a Grocery Store for Credit Cards?

Not all Walmart stores are considered grocery stores by credit card networks. While VISA and AMEX don’t categorize Walmart as grocery stores, Mastercard has categorized only Walmart Supercentres as grocery stores. If you shop for groceries at Walmart Supercentres, you should consider getting a Mastercard.

Is Costco Considered a Grocery Store for Credit Cards?

Costco stores are also not categorized as grocery stores by credit card networks. Instead, Costco is categorized as a discount merchant, and you will earn only the base cash back or reward points rate at Costco. To maximize rewards at Costco, you can get a CIBC Costco credit card that offers up to 3% on Costco purchases.

What Credit Cards Does Costco Canada Accept?

Costco accepts only Mastercard credit cards for credit card payments. Costco does not accept Visa and AMEX credit cards. Considering that Costco is not categorized as a grocery store by credit card networks, you could use a Mastercard that offers a high base reward rate to earn maximum rewards at Costco.

Does No Frills Accept Visa?

No Frills now accepts both Visa and Mastercard Credit Cards. No Frills does not accept AMEX credit cards at this time. No Frills also does not currently accept Mastercard Debit.

What Grocery Stores Accept AMEX in Canada?

Major Canadian groceries that accept AMEX are Walmart, Sobeys, Longo’s, IGA, FreshCo, Rabba, Metro, Farm Boy, Foodland, Safeway, Pusateri’s, 88 Supermarket, and Whole Foods. Some stores, such as the Loblaws Companies, do not accept AMEX. You can also use AMEX to purchase groceries through Instacart.

Disclaimer:

  • Any analysis or commentary reflects the opinions of WOWA.ca analysts and should not be considered financial advice. Please consult a licensed professional before making any decisions.
  • The calculators and content on this page are for general information only. WOWA does not guarantee the accuracy and is not responsible for any consequences of using the calculator.
  • Financial institutions and brokerages may compensate us for connecting customers to them through payments for advertisements, clicks, and leads.
  • Interest rates are sourced from financial institutions' websites or provided to us directly. Real estate data is sourced from the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and regional boards' websites and documents.